My View: Religious freedom is about respect

My letter asking Mr. MacCloskey to read the Constitution about religious freedom got his attention. I respect his legal skills and his understanding of the Constitution.

I trust he will accept that I have some theological skills, calling people to worship and pray and sending them out to live their faith.

Does Mr. MacCloskey believe that we should be allowed to teach our church members about principles of justice in private and public life?

Mr. MacCloskey assumes that these criticisms come from the extreme right-wing. I am basically in favor of the Affordable Care Act - but not this provision.

The Church, like all not-for-profit organizations, is not allowed to endorse political candidates.

Yes, there are a few zealots in some religious organizations. Might there also be some zealots in the legal professions?

Our health care and charitable institutions are not-for-profit. A relative employed by one of the largest health care institutions in the United States told me that the company provided its agents with an additional booklet for religiously affiliated institutions.

In my ministry, I had many occasions to seek help from a very prominent member of Congress - a member of the other political party. While we had differing positions on some life issues, whenever I needed assistance, his staff responded very quickly and gave whatever help it could. I was a clergyman among many clergy whom he knew, and still he treated me with great respect.

Mr. MacCloskey says give up your tax exemption, and then you may join the discussion. But he omits that only the institution is exempt - not the individuals in it. I pay my taxes, so I thank you, Mr. MacCloskey, for inviting me in.

Let's stop quarreling about our disagreement and join together to help better our community.

- The Rev. William P. Collins, Rockford

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